A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the issue of cell phone usage in schools. A comprehensive presentation addressed the impact of cell phones on student presence and performance, involving input from parents, teachers, and administrators. The presentation cited research indicating that 97% of students use their phones during school hours, with 80% acknowledging that it negatively affects their academic performance. Additionally, it was highlighted that “for every notification a student receives, it takes roughly 20 minutes for them to refocus their attention on the lesson,” underscoring the disruptive nature of cell phone use.

To address these challenges, the board discussed the formation of two ad hoc committees focusing on chronic absenteeism and cell phone usage. The revised Policy 5516 was a focal point of the discussion. For middle school students, the new policy requires them to turn off their phones and store them in lockers during school hours. High school students will have the option to retrieve their phones during their lunch period, which lasts approximately 58 minutes, to encourage social interaction without digital distractions.

There was an acknowledgment of the challenges in enforcing these policies, particularly among high school students who might resist such restrictions. A board member noted the significant disciplinary issues related to cell phone use and the complications arising from social media interactions during school hours. The administration emphasized that students would still have access to phones in the main offices for emergencies.

The presentation concluded with discussions on the potential benefits of limiting cell phone use, suggesting that such measures could lead to a 94% increase in student mental health and well-being, a 46% decrease in harassment and bullying incidents, and a 14% increase in test scores. The board expressed appreciation for the contributions of parents, teachers, and administrators in refining the cell phone policy, with feedback being largely positive despite some anticipated resistance from students.

During the public participation segment, community members raised additional concerns. A parent expressed frustration over the scheduling of back-to-school night for first-grade students at 3:00 p.m., pointing out the difficulty for working parents to attend. Another resident questioned the logic behind this timing and inquired about the school district’s financial reserves, specifically the reserve or cap bank and its impact on the recent 9% budget increase.

Further discussions included updates on various committee reports. The Buildings and Grounds committee reported the completion of several projects, including improvements to parking lots. The Policy Committee focused on refining policies related to remote board meetings. The committee also discussed the need for clear communication and operational efficiency in these policy changes.

The meeting also covered the initiation of special services programs, such as the Emotional Regulation and Impairment Program for grades K-12 and the expansion of the ABA program. The administration highlighted the addition of intervention teachers and instructional coaches to meet student needs, noting that these services have attracted new students to the district from other areas.

Superintendent Russell Rogers reported on various projects undertaken during the summer, including the relocation of the Board of Education offices and the submission of an application for preschool expansion aid. If approved, the aid could offer free preschool to three- and four-year-olds in Vernon by November 2024.

The board also discussed the mentoring program for new teachers, acknowledging the statutory requirements to support their transition into the teaching profession. This initiative aims to facilitate the integration of new staff, with two half-day sessions planned for mentoring.

In closing, the board addressed the approval of curricula, transportation routes, special education placements, and contracts for services needed from the Somerset County Educational Services Commission.